Documents
Complaints Procedure
If a complaint about procedures or administration is notified orally to a Councillor or the Clerk and they cannot satisfy the complainant fully forthwith the complainant shall be asked to put the complaint in writing to the Clerk and be assured that it will be dealt with promptly after receipt.
Wed, 18 Nov 2020
Terms of Reference - Amenities Committee
The purpose of this committee is to take overall responsibility for designated areas of council business. These areas may be modified from time to time by a meeting of the Full Council.
Tue, 17 Nov 2020
Records Management Policy
Records management policy example from Buntingford Town Council.
Tue, 17 Nov 2020
Information Policy
Policy & Procedure for Information Requests, example from Buntingford Town Council.
Tue, 17 Nov 2020
Information Security Policy
Information Security Policy example from Buntingford Town Council.
Tue, 17 Nov 2020
Council Policy Relating to Disclosable Personal Interest
Policy relating to disclosable personal interests.
Sun, 15 Nov 2020
Parish Council Spending Powers
Parish council legislation. The powers available to Parish and Town Councils.
Sat, 14 Nov 2020
Guide to understanding procurement
"In order to ensure the best use of public money we need to be smarter in how we procure the things we need. Where another public body has a contract we can use, it meets our requirements and offers value for money we should use it. Where there is none then we may need professional advice on how to let our own.
This toolkit is designed to give general advice and provides signposts to other public buying organisations who have contracts we can use and bodies that can provide professional procurement services and tendering support.
A simple checklist highlights the common issues and pitfalls we need to address and there is also advice on preparing specifications and complying with legislation.
Parishes should make sure they also consider more formal advice as set out in NALC's Legal Topic Notes (including LTN 35, Local Council's Explained, model standing order and financial regulations and JPAGs Practitioners Guide)."
Jonathan Owen
Chief Executive, NALC
Thu, 12 Nov 2020
Auto-Enrolment (Pensions)
Essential information for Councillors, Local Councils and Clerks
The law on workplace pensions has changed. Every employer with at least one member of staff now has new duties. Staff that meet certain criteria must be put into a pension scheme and the employer (and employee) must make contributions into the scheme, unless the employee opts out. This is called automatic enrolment.
Tue, 10 Nov 2020
Model Publication Scheme
This model publication scheme has been prepared and approved by the Information Commissioner. It may be adopted without modification by any public authority without further approval and will be valid until further notice.
Thu, 05 Nov 2020
Responsibilities for Clearing Snow and Ice on Highways
In winter, snow and ice may make roads and pavements unsafe for traffic and pedestrians respectively.
Bad winters have prompted some parish councils in England and community councils to ask about responsibilities for keeping highways clear and if they have statutory powers to assist in clearing snow and ice.
Tue, 27 Oct 2020
Model Social Networking Policy
Social media is the term used for Internet-based communication tools used on computers, tablets, and smart phones to help people keep in touch and enable them to interact and allows them to share information, ideas and views.
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
Model Capability Procedure
At times, the Council may be faced with a member of staff who is struggling to meet their required standards of work performance and which needs to be dealt with as a matter of capability.
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
Model Computer Use Policy
With the reliance and use of a range of computers, social media and email for both internal and external communication along with the proliferation of various devices there is a need for a clear policy and a set of rules on the use of such systems and means of communication by members of staff within and beyond within the Council.
Tue, 20 Oct 2020
Sustainable Communities Act Toolkit
The Sustainable Communities Act 2007 (SCA) is being used by local (parish and town) councils to inspire their communities to agree with them new and innovative ways of improving their area or become involved in Big Society projects.
Tue, 29 Sep 2020
Avoiding Danger When Working Near Underground Services
This guidance is aimed at all those involved in commissioning, planning, managing and carrying out work on or near underground services. It will also be of use to the owners and operators of such services.
It outlines the potential dangers of working near underground services and gives advice on how to reduce any direct risks to people's health and safety, as well as the indirect risks arising through damage to services.
It explains the three basic elements of a safe system of work during excavation:
- Planning the work
- Locating and identifying buried services
- Safe excavation
Tue, 08 Sep 2020
Self-employed Contractors for Specific Services Model Agreement
Model agreement for contractor services.
Mon, 07 Sep 2020
Website Content Accessibility Guidelines
This presentation sets out the requirements and provides practical help and information.
Thu, 27 Aug 2020
Business Continuity Plan Outline
Outline for the necessary sections in a business continuity plan.
Thu, 13 Aug 2020
Business Continuity Assessment
This is a quick 10 minute checklist for you to see how far you have got with business continuity management. The assessment has been split into sections for ease of reference; ideally you should have all of these criteria fulfilled.
Thu, 13 Aug 2020
Openness and transparency on personal interests - A Guide for Councillors
Openness and transparency on personal interests.
Mon, 10 Aug 2020
General Data Protection Regulations Toolkit
The General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") will take effect in the UK from 25 May 2018. It replaces the existing law on data protection (the Data Protection Act 1998) and gives individuals more rights and protection regarding how their personal data is used by councils. Local councils and parish meetings must comply with its requirements, just like any other organisation.
Sat, 08 Aug 2020
The Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014
Guidance for councils on reporting parish council meetings and recording decision making - The Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014.
Access to Parish Council meetings.
Sat, 08 Aug 2020
Developing your skills as a Councillor
New responsibilities can be both an exciting and daunting prospect. It is important that you feel welcome, valued and part of the council as soon as possible.
Sun, 02 Aug 2020
What do Chairmen do?
Outlines the role of a Chairman before, during and after a meeting
Sun, 02 Aug 2020
List of Council Documents
A list of council documents held by the Clerk, some mandatory, others specific for your council
Wed, 29 Jul 2020
Job Description Parish Councillor
This is a model document that you can use to produce your parish councillor job descriptions.
Tue, 28 Jul 2020